Trails Brochure

Spring 2016
KITIMAT VALLEY – DOUGLAS CHANNEL SITES AND TRAILS
SITES AND TRAILS
The Kitimat Valley Kitimat Valley and
Douglas Channel area include rustic campsites,
rock climbing, hot springs and boat anchorages.
There are also a number of hiking trails that
range from easy family walks to difficult routes
into alpine areas. All sites and trailheads are
accessible by 2 wheel drive vehicles unless
otherwise noted.
1.
BISHOP BAY HOT SPRINGS
(North Coast Forest District)
Access: Located approximately 80km south of
Kitimat off Ursula Channel, Bishop Bay is
accessible only by boat or float plane. Site
description: A short trail from the dock leads
to a covered hot springs pool, roofed picnic
area, raised tenting platforms and toilets.
Boaters are advised that this can be a very busy
anchor- age and that they may not be able to
find a suitable anchorage or mooring space.
Large vessels are encouraged to anchor in the
bay or use the mooring buoys.
2. WEEWANIE HOT SPRINGS
Access: Located approximately 40km south
of Kitimat on Devastation Channel, Weewanie
is accessible only by boat.
Site description: There are 2 sea anchors in the
small sheltered bay by the hot springs. The site
has picnic tables, fire pits, a toilet and a small
bath house.
3. ROBINSON LAKE TRAIL
Access: From Highway 37, turn south and
follow the Kitamaat Village road for 2.3 km.
After crossing Cordella Creek bridge turn left
into the gravel pit. Head up to the right
following the road for .7 km to the trailhead.
Trail description: A moderate 4 km trail that
leads past a series of small lakes to Robinson
Lake, with a return time of 5 to 7 hours.
Caution: Trail may be extremely wet over the
last 1.5km.
4. MOUNT ELIZABETH TRAIL
Access: Drive north from the Kitimat Chamber
of Commerce building along Highway 37 for
approximately 7.5 km. Turn right just south
from where the Hydro transmission lines cross
the Highway and follow the North Hirsch
Mainline for 13.5 km. Turn left off the North
Hirsch Mainline onto a rough, narrow 4WD
road, continue up the road for 2.5 km to the
trailhead.
Trail description: A difficult 6 km trail to
alpine that offers good views of Kitimat and the
Douglas Channel. Allow 3 to 4 hours to reach
alpine. Once in the alpine, Mount Elizabeth
peak is almost due East. The trail to the peak
takes 9 to 12 hours return (from trailhead).
Caution: This trail is very difficult beyond
Little Elizabeth Peak and is only recommended
for experienced hikers.
MOUNT ELIZABETH RECREATION
SITE
Access: Drive north from the Kitimat
Chamber of Commerce building along
Highway 37 for approximately 7.5 km. Turn
right just south from where the Hydro
transmission lines cross the Highway and
follow the North Hirsch Mainline for 13.5 km.
Turn right and follow the road as it leads to
Hirsch Creek.
Site Description: A small rustic site with two
camping areas next to Hirsch Creek.
Note: The compact nature of this site does not
make it suitable for large trailers or motor
homes
5. MOUNT CLAGUE TRAIL
Access: From the Kitimat Service Centre head
north along Enterprise Avenue until you reach
the Wedeene Forest Service Road. Continue
north along the road for approximately 1 km.
Turn left and follow the side road for
approximately 2 km to the trailhead.
Trail description: A difficult 6 km trail that
leads to alpine on the West side of the Kitimat
valley, with a return time of 8 to 10 hours.
Excellent views of the Kitimat valley and
Douglas Channel from alpine.
6. ENSO RECREATION SITE
Access: From the Kitimat Service Centre head
north along Enterprise Avenue until you reach
the Wedeene Forest Service Road. Continue
north along the mainline for approximately
14.5 km. The site is located on the right just
before Raley Creek.
Site Description: A small, six unit camp site
located near the junction of the Wedeene River
and Raley Creek.
7. ONION LAKE RECREATION SITE
Access: Located 31 km north of Kitimat along
Highway 37 at the start of the Clearwater Lakes
Trail.
Site Description: A small day use site with
picnicking facilities and fishing opportunities.
ONION LAKE CROSS COUNTRY SKI
TRAILS
Access: The trailhead is located 29 km north of
Kitimat where the Wedeene Forest Service
Road meets Highway 37.
Trail Description: 36 km of cross country ski
trails used during the summer for mountain
biking and horseback riding. Excellent views of
Lakelse Lake and the valley from viewpoints
along the Moose Highway trail The site is
maintained and managed by the Snow Valley
Nordic Ski Club.
8. CLEARWATER LAKES TRAIL
Access: The trailhead is located 31 km north
of Kitimat on
Highway 37 next to Onion Lake.
Trail description: An easy hike along a 6 km
trail that begins at Onion Lake. The trail runs
through an old growth reserve which
encompasses Onion, Big Clearwater and Little
Clearwater Lakes. A side trail leads to a
viewpoint overlooking Lakelse Lake and the
valley to the north. A small day use area is
located at Onion Lake.
9. CHIST CREEK RECREATION SITE
Access: Turn east off of Highway 37 across
from the Onion Lake Ski Trails onto the North
Kitimat Forest Service Road, 29 km north of
Kitimat. Follow the road for approximately 2
km and turn left. Keep to the left at the next
intersection and continue along for
approximately 1 km. At the next main
intersection, turn right and go another .6 km to
the site.
Site description: A small, rustic site with three
camping spots located next to rock climbing
areas.
10. WEST LAKE RECREATION SITE
Access: Turn west off Highway 37 at the Onion
Lake Ski Trails 29km north of Kitimat. Follow
the Wedeene Forest Service Road for
approximately 5 km. Turn right onto the
Lakelse Main Forest Service Road and follow
for another 4 km. Turn left and follow the road
for 2 km to the site.
Site description: A small rustic site with 2
camping spots next to West Lake.
ROBINSON RIDGE SNOWMOBILING TRAIL
Access: From the Kitimat Chamber of Commerce
office located on Highway 37, head east along Forest
Avenue and the South Hirsch forestry road for
approximately 7.5 km. Turn right onto branch 100 and
go another 4 km to the trailhead. Road access from
Forest Avenue to the trailhead is dependent on snow
conditions.
Trail description: From the end of the road this 3 km
trail climbs steeply up the west side of the ridge
through heavy timber and into the sub-alpine. The trail
continues south along the ridge to a cabin maintained
by the Kitimat Snowmobile Club. The cabin has a
registration book that you are welcome to sign.
Caution: This trail is not recommended for beginner or
intermediate snowmobilers.
TRAIL ETIQUETTE
Please keep to the designated trails. Short cutting on
switch- backs damages the plants and soils which keep
rain and snow melt from eroding the trail. Do not cut
down live trees. Take only photographs, leave only
footprints.
SITE ETIQUETTE
Roads are often used by visitors as paths and play
areas, maximum speed is 20 km/h, please do not drive
over the vegetation. Park in designated areas, keep
roads clear and do not block traffic. Respect the peace
and quiet of others, keep your noise to a minimum at
all times. Obey designated quiet time: 11pm to 7am.
Keep your pets quiet and under control at all times.
SAFETY TIPS
Before leaving on a hike, let a responsible individual
know where you are going and when you will be
returning. Always contact that individual when you
return. Never hike alone and always
Every bear encounter is unique so there are no
steadfast rules which can be applied to every situation.
If you meet a bear in the wild, try to remain calm.
Never approach or chase the bear; instead face the
bear without making eye contact and back away
slowly. Take the same route out that you came in. Try
to keep track of the bear's location, but again, don't
challenge the bear by making eye contact. If the bear
makes blowing or snorting noises and then charges
and veers off at the last second this is likely defensive
behavior so continue to back away. Extend your arms
above your head appearing as large as you can, talk in
a gruff voice, and look for a weapon such as a rock or
stick. Try dropping your pack to distract the bear, but
only do this if absolutely necessary because the bear
could learn to pursue people for their packs. Climb a
tree as a last resort.
TRAVELING ON LOGGING ROADS
Although most logging roads are open to the public,
many of them are active, meaning that you can expect
to meet logging trucks, especially during weekdays.
Logging trucks have the right of way at all times.
Follow radio controlled vehicles on active logging
roads. Drive with caution and with your headlights on.
For more information regarding recreational
opportunities in the Kalum Forest District contact:
Kalum Forest District
#200-5220 Keith Avenue, Terrace, BC, V8G 1L1
Ph: 250-638-5100 Fax: 250-638-5176 or visit our
website at:
www.for.gov.bc.ca/dkm/recreation/Kitimat/rec_kitima
t/htm
Spring 2016
DISTRICT OF KITIMAT TRAILS AND OUTDOOR POINTS OF INTEREST
The District of Kitimat within the municipal boundaries offers a number of hiking trails and outdoor opportunities. The hiking trails
are easy family hikes through old growth forest, however prior to taking young children one should hike the trails to assess the
difficulty and time required to complete the outing. Trails are flagged with orange markers on trees by the Snow Valley Nordic Ski
Club. Look for markers ± 8 feet above ground on larger trees. There are no garbage facilities available along any of the trails.
All are user maintained sites.
Thank you for your assistance.
1.
SNOWFLAKE PARK FAIRGROUNDS AND HORSE TRAILS
Access: North on Highway 37 about 500m past Cable Car entrance.
Site Description: Fairground facility with riding rings and day horse stalls
Trail Description: Horse trails leading in and around Fairgrounds, Cable Car,
Hirsch Creek Park, across highway to Fire Mountain Rifle Range. Fitness
joggers are encouraged to use trail. For more information call Debbie at 6326740.
Funding: Snowflake Fairgrounds Society
2.
FIRE MOUNTAIN RIFLE RANGE
Access: Off Highway 37, 4km from town, watch for signs
Site Description: Vehicle parking, 500m rifle range with shed and shooting
rests - this is a federal government inspected facility and users are required to
follow regulations posted.
3.
HIRSCH CREEK PARK
Access: Hirsch Creek Park off Highway 37, go to interior parking lot to
south,(right at fork)
Site Description: A rustic setting with minimum amenities, 10 campsites,
access to Hirsch Creek Park. Day picnic sites, large covered area for
gatherings and cooking, sports field and pit toilets. Used for community
picnics - for booking call Tamitik Jubilee Sports Complex at 632-8955.
Trail Description: Short walk through old growth. Watch for cedars with
bark stripped on one side by natives - bark used for clothing.
4.
HIRSCH CREEK CANYON
Trail to falls starts on south side of Highway 37 Hirsch Creek bridge. Sign at
right hand side. Trail is interrupted by logging road: watch for sign. The
trail extends for about 7km (1 hour’s hiking time). It leads to a few beauty
spots along the creek. You will come to logging access road and should see a
tall hemlock with two prominent scars in front of you. Enter bush and see
swamp lake through the trees. Circling the lake on the bench to your left you
will find the trail. Hike on trail towards big gully. Trail branches shortly
before the viewpoint.
(NOTE: The viewpoint is very dangerous for small children). If you are
looking for a picnic place, follow the trail downhill for a short distance to
creek to the big gully.
5.
FOREST AVENUE MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS
Access: Turn onto Forest Avenue at Chamber of Commerce. Go to trail
head sign by large blue building on right (±5 km). On left you will see
Pacific Natural Gas right-of-way.
Trail Description:
Advanced Riders: At trail head sign turn left and go to bottom of hill until
you meet Hirsch Creek Trail, turn right, advance to logging road, turn right
and uphill until you come to South Hirsch Creek Main (extension of Forest
Avenue), again turn right and ride approximately .5km to the starting point.
Other Riders: At trail head sign continue approx. 1km along South Hirsch
Creek Main road (extension of Forest Avenue) until you come to second
trailhead sign, take the road to your left. The road is blocked to motor
vehicles, go around gate, continue and you will come to a broken bridge.
Continue, keeping to your right, until you have looped around and
immediately before the bridge make a sharp turn to your left, ride for 6km
staying to your right and you will meet up with South Hirsch Creek Main
again, turn left, ride for approx. 1.5km and you will return to your starting
point. Total kilometers from starting point to return are approximately 12.
6.
PINE CREEK TRAIL (UPPER AND LOWER)
Access: From Highway 37 follow Kitamaat Village road. At bottom of first
hill turn right onto gravel road. The trail head is 700 meters from Village
road, bridge is out – park at creek cross creek by foot until you see trail head
sign.
Trail Description: A great hike for all ages, big cedars, bubbling brook
teeming with small fry, spawning salmon, and beaver activity. The hike is 30
minutes one way. Trail built in 1997 provides a wonderful hike and an
opportunity to witness the salmon enhancement project of the Science class
of Gary Mouland from Mount Elizabeth Senior Secondary.
Funding: Courtesy of Alcan Aluminum Smelters
7.
COGHLIN POINT
Access: Haisla Boulevard. At entrance to community watch for signs and
parking.
Site Description: View of Douglas Channel in park setting with picnic
table. Don’t forget your camera.
8.
SMITH STREET TRAIL
Access: Off Smith Street
Trail Description: A short but difficult 250m from the top of Smith Street
with the trail connecting with Hirsch Creek Trail, left to Coho Flats or
right to Highway 37 at Hirsch Creek bridge.
9.
COHO FLATS TRAIL
Access: Located off Baxter Street
Trail Description: An easy 1.75km through old growth forest leading to
the Kitimat River. At the river the trail goes left along Fisherman’s Trail
to the Rod and Gun Club.
10.
FISHERMAN’S TRAIL (ROD & GUN TRAIL)
Access: Through community, turn right just before bridge over Kitimat
River. Park in lot at bottom of small hill, look for signs for trail entrance.
Recommend hike by adult prior to taking children.
11.
GIANT SPRUCE
Access: Highway 37 to Haisla Boulevard to 3rd stop light. Turn left on
Kuldo Boulevard to Columbia Street. Turn right, end of road turn right,
first left, short distance turn left, watch for signs.
Site Description: Old growth sitka spruce. Over 400 years old considered oldest sitka spruce in world. Picnic table and information
about tree size and age.
12.
RADLEY PARK CAMPGROUND
Access: Follow Highway 37 through community and over Kitimat River
bridge to Service Centre. Follow highway to left, watch for signs, take
first left turn over dyke.
Site Description: 36 campsites, 16 with electricity, indoor toilets, pay
showers, pay phone, day picnic area, drift boat reception area. Setting is
old growth forest. Original development by Kitimat Gyro Club. Covered
area barbeque pit available for community group picnics and large family
gatherings at no fee. Contact the District of Kitimat Recreation
Department at 632-8955. Annual projects by Kitimat Gyro Club.
13.
JOE’S TRAIL
Access: Highway 37 to Haisla Boulevard to 3rd stop light. Turn left on
Kuldo Boulevard, right on Columbia Avenue, travel until road ends at
dyke. Turn right, take first left, drive about 1km and park near Kitimat
River.
Trail Description: 1.5 hour hike on wide easy circle through old growth
forest along Kitimat River. At end turn left, walk along water line to dyke
road, turn left and return along dyke and turn left back to vehicle.
For information regarding community
outdoor opportunities in Kitimat contact:
District of Kitimat
Leisure Services Department
270 City Centre
Kitimat, B.C.
V8C 2H7
Phone: 632-8900 Fax: 632-4995
The Recreation Department’s intent is to annually produce
this trail guide in the spring leisure brochure.
To assist in ensuring that the guide meets the community
needs and is accurate in content your comments are appreciated.